Biblical themes and the Israeli landscape, which have always been strong elements in Amichai's poetry, are present in [Love Poems, a collection of poems he has chosen from his previous books, together with new pieces]…. The constant threat of war gives many poems a special urgency. Such references can also become superficial, though, as in "Once A Great Love." There is another side to Amichai as well: the man who speaks his love directly, without reference to place, history, or heritage. Unfortunately these poems (such as "My God, The Soul" or "A Dog After Love") often deteriorate into sentimentality. On the whole, the reader comes away with the impression that the guiding principle of this selection was popular appeal rather than the desire to present a selection of the poet's best work.

Rochelle Ratner, "Poetry: 'Love Poems'," in Library Journal (reprinted from Library Journal, August, 1981; published by R...